Kadri Simson, Center Party's acting head, handed Parliament Speaker Eiki Nestor 27,000 signatures against planned fuel excise hikes. She said the government can not ignore such a high volume of signatures.

She said the tax hikes will increase prices in general, and this will hit the low-income-bracket the most. Simson said that holes in the budget should be filled by calling off a 1 percentage point drop in the social tax rate, not by increasing fuel prices.

“In its usual arrogant manner, the Reform Party is refusing to even discuss the idea,” Simson said.

The Center Party promised to continue with filibustering tactics in Parliament, having already forced a session last week to go on until 4 am. The party proposed 97 amendments to the bill, which includes, among other tax changes, the planned 10 percent hike in fuel tax each year for three years. EKRE submitted 91 and the Free Party 11 amendments. The Free Party proposed increasing tax on alcohol faster than planned and a few other changes instead.

Nestor said the petition will be reviewed and then handed to the Finance Committee.

Following the local elections in October this year, Reform Party founder, former prime minister, EU commissioner, and presidential candidate Siim Kallas took on the job of municipal mayor of Viimsi, a community on the outskirts of Tallinn. In his interview with ERR's Toomas Sildam, Kallas talks about local government, his party, the EU presidency, and perspectives in Estonian politics.